Austin Chasse | The Scribe
Halle Thornton
[email protected]
Two student artist’s sculptures will be featured on Nevada Avenue, while the money awarded to each will help build them.
Senior visual and performing arts majors Ian Alexandrowicz and Tamara Mauldin each received $5,000 from the student public sculpture program, funded by University Village Colorado developer Kevin Kratt, at the end of the fall 2015 semester.
Alexandrowicz’ sculpture, inspired by bicycles, will be built and mounted on North Nevada Avenue next to the UVC.
VAPA instructor Nikki Pike introduced the idea to her Art and Democracy class. Alexandrowicz said Pike required the students in the class to sketch an idea for a sculpture.
Mauldin will also have her work featured at the UVC.
Mauldin’s sculpture will consist of two fish intertwined standing on their tails.
“It is the physical acknowledgement of the need to balance the feminine with the masculine forces in one’s psyche,” Mauldin said.
Alexandrowicz’ inspiration for the sculpture came from past artwork.
“I was looking through my sketches from last semester, and decided to draw up something similar,” he said.
Alexandrowicz said he was surrounded by art growing up. Seeing his uncle’s passion for photography inspired him to pursue a path in visual arts.
Co-director and assistant professor of VAPA Matt Barton also spoke to Alexandrowicz’s class for more information regarding the contest.
Barton teaches studio and sculpting classes and helps with the contest.
“I work as a contact and advisor for the students as they navigate the entire process of budgeting, refining their designs and working with fabricators,” said Barton.
Alexandrowicz said he wants his sculpture to be 20 feet tall, sit on a 2-by-3 pedestal and have a bike sprocket as the main focus of the piece.
Mauldin’s sculpture will be nine feet high and constructed of plate, expanded and perforated steel.
Before these dimensions are finalized, the engineers and fabricator make sure it will be sturdy enough to stand on its own, according to Alexandrowicz.
Barton said he chose this sculpture project because it is a good representation of the student’s work.
“It is a truly unique and valuable program that gives the students real-world experience, as well as a crucial portfolio piece that gets their foot in the door for further public art projects,” said Barton.
Mauldin said Barton’s help has been valuable.
“Barton’s encouragement and selection for this scholarship have built up my confidence in my ability to succeed as an artist,” Mauldin said.
“The most exciting part about being awarded the money is the public recognition,” said Alexandrowicz.
He hopes that the sculpture will be put in the UVC among the other student’s artwork by the end of the spring semester.